The Hidden England Gardens Experience Itinerary

DAY 1 Afternoon

Grimsthorpe Castle Gardens – 500 years of garden history

There have been impressive formal gardens at Grimsthorpe since Tudor times. Your visit will include a full garden tour with a knowledgeable member of the Estate team and an absorbing history of how these gardens have evolved. Grimsthorpe’s gardens extend to 27 acres, including the neatly manicured lawns.

DAY 2 Morning
including buffet lunch

Easton Walled Gardens – an intriguing garden restoration project

These gardens have been in the Cholmeley family for 14 generations but until the winter of 2001 they had been completely abandoned for 50 years. Now, after 7 years of restoration, you will find snowdrops, sweet peas, irises, David Austin roses, 100 varieties of daffodils, and a popular cut flower garden. Enjoy walks, drifts of bulbs, meadows, borders, auricula theatres, a cottage garden and a turf maze and hear an inspiring account of how this restoration project came into being.

DAY 2 Afternoon
including afternoon tea

Barnsdale Gardens - gardening for television

BBC TV gardener Geoff Hamilton established Gardeners’ World in its home at Barnsdale in 1983 and it was from here that, in his down to earth style, ‘The People’s Gardener’ inspired the nation to get outside and have a go. Now run by his son Nick, Barnsdale has evolved and grown to 38 gardens packed full of interest, beauty and inspiration for gardeners and non-gardeners alike. Your informative guided tour will include the old favourites, such as the Cottage Garden, as well as more recent additions such as our new Children’s Garden.

DAY 2 Evening
Enjoy a glass of wine

Burghley – The Garden of Surprises

The delightful features of the Garden of Surprises are inspired by an unusual Elizabethan garden constructed by the first Lord Burghley. Hidden from the outside they wait to reveal their surprises to those who enter. Features such as the moss house, the swivelling Caesar busts, basins of water, jets and the mirrored maze have been designed to be accessible to all regardless of age or interest, and are particularly enjoyable for the young or those young at heart. In a relaxed early evening visit you can enjoy a glass of wine as you explore this very new garden.